Learn How to Use Amphibious Outdoor Wheelchairs: Universal Beach Workshop at Suma Beach

NPO Suma Universal Beach Project will hold a "Universal Beach Workshop" to enable people, whether they use wheelchairs or not, to enjoy swimming at Suma Beach, in preparation for the beach opening in fiscal year 2026. This summer marks the 10th anniversary of the installation of Japan's first beach mat. To ensure even more people can enjoy the beach safely, we will hold practical workshops on July 11th (Saturday) and July 12th (Sunday) where participants can learn about the significance of universal beaches and how to use amphibious outdoor wheelchairs like the "Hippo Camp" and other beach-use wheelchairs. ◼︎ Volunteers (Support Staff) for the Suma Universal Beach Project Following last year, we will hold a Universal Beach event in Suma again this year. Prior to this, we will conduct workshops to learn about the importance of universal beaches and how to use equipment such as the amphibious wheelchair "Hippo Camp" and the "WaterWheels" beach wheelchair. The mission of the Suma Universal Beach Project is to create a space where diverse people can enjoy the sea together. To achieve this, the support of our volunteers is indispensable. Thanks to the contributions of many individuals, the number of participants has been increasing year by year, leading to an environment where people can enjoy the sea more comfortably. Let's help spread universal beaches, where people can challenge themselves with peace of mind, from Suma to the rest of the country. Would you like to join us in helping to turn everyone's "cannot do" into "can do"? ◼︎ 3 Key Points of Being a Suma Universal Beach Project Volunteer (Support Staff) ① Sharing Emotions with Users "Fun," "Comfortable," "Happy" You can share these feelings with the users. It's a valuable experience to enjoy the sea together while providing support. ② Deepening Understanding of Disabilities Even those who are new to interacting with people with disabilities can learn about the necessary support and specific characteristics through hands-on experience. The knowledge gained can also be applied to daily life. ③ Participating Comfortably and Enjoyably You can contribute according to your lifestyle and availability. You'll also have the opportunity to meet new friends through beach activities. ■ Workshop Overview This is a workshop to learn the basics of a universal beach. Participants will learn through lectures and practical training about the use of equipment such as the Hippo Camp and WaterWheels, the operation of the "Smart Paraway" beach mat currently under development, as well as precautions during support and safety management at sea. 【Date and Time Schedule】 *Due to the number of "Hippo" units and the need to ensure adequate supervision, applications are limited to 20 participants per day. (Sessions will run with 2 or more applicants.)* Content 9:00 Gathering & Preparation 　　　Lecture 　　　Break 　　　Explanation of Practical Training 　　　Practical Training Session 12:00 End & Dissolution 13:30 Gathering & Preparation 　　　Lecture 　　　Break 　　　Explanation of Practical Training 　　　Practical Training Session 16:30 End & Dissolution 【Basic Rules】 Participation is free of charge. Those who attended the workshop last year generally do not need to attend again. Participation and departure at any time are permitted, but please note that if you do not complete all parts of the workshop, you will not be considered to have "attended the workshop." The final decision on cancellation due to weather or other factors will be made around 7:00 AM on the day of the event. Changes to the schedule will be announced on our official social media. 【What to Bring & Facilities】 Items to Bring: Clothing that can get wet (※ practical training session involves entering the sea), change of clothes, sandals with heel straps or marine boots, gloves with rubber grips, water, towel. Please take measures against sunburn and cold. (No rental items will be provided for the activity.) You can use the outdoor shower for rinsing off and changing rooms. Coin-operated lockers are also available (require a 500 yen deposit, which is returned after use). Please manage your belongings at your own risk. We plan to lay out blue tarps near the workshop venue. *Please inform us in advance if you are unable to enter the water.* 【Location】Suma Coast (*Details of the meeting place will be provided after application.)* Let's work together to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the sea with peace of mind again this year. We sincerely look forward to your participation! 【How to Apply】 Please apply through the form below. https://forms.gle/YBqnWVeQ3n7fyjE17 Organization Name: NPO Suma Universal Beach Project Location: 1-14-10 Komagabayashi-cho, Nagata-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Dorf 21-102 Representative: Shunsuke Kido Established: November 2, 2017 URL: https://sumauniversalbeach.com/ Business Activities: With the motto "Turning everyone's 'cannot do' into 'can do'," we promote universal design beaches that can be enjoyed by everyone, from people with disabilities to the elderly and young children. Since fiscal year 2021, our activities have been featured in junior high school social studies civics textbooks under the title "People Aiming for a Sustainable Future" as an advanced case study for achieving SDGs. ・Public-Private Partnership Award Excellence Prize (2026) ・ICC Summit Catapult Presentation (2025, 2026) ・Official Government Public Relations SNS Feature (FY2025) ・Blue Flag Best Practice Award, 2nd Place Worldwide (FY2023) ・Japan Tourism Agency Blue Flag Certified Case (FY2022, 2023) ・Educational Publishing Junior High School Civics Textbook Feature (FY2021) ・Japan Tourism Agency Advanced Case Study for Achieving Sustainable Tourism (FY2020) ・IAUD International Universal Design Award Gold Prize (2019) ・Hyogo Universal Society Creation Award (2018) Inquiries regarding this release: NPO Suma Universal Beach Project PR Office Contact: Tsuchihara (email: sumauniversalbeach@gmail.com, TEL: 080-3782-4405)